Summer Passion

It is about 16 miles from Ventura to Ojai, depending on where you start. Almost all of it is on dedicated bike path, partly along the banks of a mostly dry river. It is slightly uphill going to Ojai, but nothing strenuous, and there is a park on the way at which you can rest. Ojai itself has good eating and a nice park to offer and it is usually full of tourists. You can  park your car at one of the parking lots on Santa Clara in Ventura (between California and Ventura, exit California on 101, see map below). Ride north on Ventura to Park Row, turn left  on Park Row and the bike path is at the end. 

If you want to extend the ride you can keep going from Ojai, to Dennison Grade, Santa Paula and back to Ventura, about 55 miles.

You need a "real" bicycle to do any of the trips described here. You probably already know that. A department store bike - the $85 specials from Target or Walmart will theoretically do the trip, but it will not be enjoyable. Unless you enjoy pain. The bicycle shown below is a Specialized, with aluminum frame, cromoly fork, 23 mm tires and a flat handlebar (more comfortable) instead of the usual drop-down bars. The picture below was taken on the 32-mile loop from Ventura to Ojai and back.

And this picture was taken at Rincon Point, near Carpinteria. Also 32 miles in all, from Ventura to Carpinteria and back. Much of it is along the Pacific Ocean and, when the swells are running deep, as on this day, mist hangs in the air and you can taste salt on your lips. The ride can be extended to Santa Barbara, which adds another 20-25 miles.

Bike Path to Ojai

Park at the lot at the end of Main Street, close to the sea. Catch the bike path there and head to the sea. You will ride north about 2 or 3 miles on the path before it dumps you on a road that parallels the sea. The road  in turn ends at the 101 after about 10 miles. You ride for 3 miles or so on 101, again paralleling the ocean, an exhilarating experience, before exiting at Bates Road. Turn right at the end of the ramp, go up the grade and turn west on the highway at the end (Highway 192 -you will need to buy a map!). If you go east you will end up near Ojai - a beautiful (and long) ride! You can have lunch at Carpinteria and  turn back, though many people go on to Santa Barbara. There are other wonderful rides there too, but longer. Ventura-Carpinteria and back is about 32 miles, Santa Barbara about 60 miles. You can also go to Ojai and return to Ventura on the bike path.